On today’s episode of Theology on the Go, Jonathan and James explore the pivotal Council of Nicaea, held in 325 A.D, when the Nicene Creed was written which has shaped the church for centuries. What were the heretical teachings that led to this significant council, and why was the development of a creed necessary? 

A good creed will positively state orthodoxy such that a myriad of false teachings are sort of slain in one paragraph. – James Dolezal

Tune in as they examine the theological debates surrounding the nature of Christ and the relationship between the Father and the Son. Discover why this council was crucial for the formation of Christian doctrine and how its implications resonate with us today. 

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Crossway Books, we are pleased to offer to our listeners a couple of copies of Scott Swain’s book, The Trinity: An Introduction. Enter here to win. 

Show Notes:

If you live in the Sacramento, California area, check out this conference taking place September 19-20 at which James Dolezal and Fred Sanders will be exploring the history and significance of the Nicene Creed in greater detail. https://alliancenet.org/event/scg25/

Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

The Pilgrim's Progress book club continues today as Jonathan, James, and Jeff Stivason continue their exploration of Bunyan's classic work. This week, Christian and Hopeful leave Vanity Fair and encounter a new character on their journey, known as By-Ends. The discussion delves into the complexities of Christian companionship, the challenges of faith, and the nuances of worldly versus spiritual values. 

A man that takes up religion for the world will throw away religion for the world. – Jeff Stivason

Tune in as they explore the significance of these themes and their relevance for believers today!

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Banner Publishing, we are pleased to offer a couple of copies of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress, to our listeners. Enter here to win. 

In this episode, James and Jonathan engage in a thought-provoking discussion about Puritanism with Steven Yuille, the director of Puritan Publishing at Reformation Heritage Books and a professor of church history. Today, many people consider the Puritans to be a serious, joyless, dutiful group of people. In fact, it has been said that “a Puritan is mortified by the thought that someone, somewhere, is enjoying themselves.” What is Stephen’s response to this caricature?

I just encourage people to lay all that aside, forget everything they think they know and have ever heard and all the little quips and sounds bites, here, there and floating everywhere, and just go back and read the Puritans, and recognize that when it comes to their approach to the Christian life, the starting point… is this: Theology is the science of living blessedly forever. It might surprise people to discover that the Puritans end up being the opposite of what they are often perceived to be. – Stephen Yuille

Tune in and reconsider your own views as we explore the rise of Puritanism in England, its theological significance, and its implications for personal piety today. 

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to award a couple of copies of John Owen’s Freedom from Sin’s Dominion to our listeners: Brian Z. from Manhattan, KS and Jonathan S. from St. Augustine, FL!

Show Notes:

Stephen Yuille recommended the Puritan Treasures for Today for listeners. Specifically, these would be great books to start with.

A Perfect Redeemer by William Perkins

The Fountain of Life by John Flavel

The Blessed and Boundless God by George Swinnock (Stephen’s personal favorite)

Today, Jonathan and James engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Matthew Barrett, a professor of Christian theology and editor of the recently released book On Classical Trinitarianism: Retrieving the Nicene Doctrine of the Triune God. Motivated by the longstanding need to retrieve the classical doctrine of the Trinity, Matthew brought together Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox scholars to contribute to this important work. 

In today’s discussion, they explore the challenges posed by social trinitarianism and its implications for contemporary theology, emphasizing the importance of returning to the Nicene understanding of the Trinity. 

The Trinity is not “relevant”; it is the foundation of our faith and understanding of God. – Matthew Barrett

Matthew shares insights on the historical context, the relevance of classical theism, and the foundational pre-commitments necessary for a robust understanding of the doctrine of the Trinity. 

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at IVP Academic, we are pleased to award a copy of On Classical Trinitarianism: Retrieving the Nicene Doctrine of the Triune God to one of our listeners. Congratulations Christine P. from Stockton Springs, ME!

Wherever the Christian should find truth, understand that wherever he may find it, it is his Lord's. – Saint Augustine

In this episode of Theology on the Go, Jonathan and James engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the significance of philosophy for Christians. Delving into the relationship between philosophy and theology, they explore how philosophical inquiry can enhance our understanding of faith, truth, and the world around us. 

Good philosophy, even if in the hands of a pagan, is actually the ally of the Christian who loves truth and loves divine wisdom. – James Dolezal 

Discover why cultivating a philosophical mindset is essential for defending the truths of Christianity and how it can enrich your theological journey.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to award two copies of James Dolezal’s book, All That Is In God, to our listeners: Mitchell W. from Crowley, TX and Ryan C . from Glendale, AZ.

In this episode, Jonathan, James and regular guest, Jeff Stivason, continue their exploration of John Bunyan's classic, The Pilgrim's Progress, focusing on the pivotal setting of Vanity Fair which represents the world's temptations and worldly pleasures that can distract pilgrims from their spiritual journey. 

If we don’t look at our wives and our children and the things that make up our life, like our jobs, our calling even, the things that we would put most value in…if we don’t hold all those things with an empty hand and see them as things that are here today and gone tomorrow like the flowers of the field, then we have all of a sudden allowed things to creep into our thinking that have an opportunity to contest God’s authority in our lives, contest God Himself in our lives. – Jeff Stivason

Today we discuss the challenges faced by the pilgrims Christian and Faithful, and the deeper meanings behind their experiences. Discover how Bunyan's insights remain relevant today, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys as they navigate the temptations of the world.

Are we living in Vanity Fair as pilgrims, or are we making it our home? – Jonathan Master

Jonathan and James welcome Ronnie Kurtz, assistant professor of theology at Cedarville University, to discuss his recent book, Light Unapproachable: Divine Incomprehensibility and the Task of Theology. Together, they delve into the concept of divine incomprehensibility—what it means to know God in a world where He remains fundamentally other than us. 

Divine incomprehensibility is a theological term to describe a feeling that a lot of listeners have probably felt before. – Ronni Kurtz

Ronnie shares insights on how this doctrine has shaped theological thought throughout history, reminding us that theologians in all ages have wrestled with what we can and cannot say about God

My book is just a long lesson in humility. – Ronni Kurtz

Thanks to the generosity of IVP Academic, we are pleased to award a couple copies of Ronni Kurtz’s book, Light Unapproachable, to our listeners. Congratulations to David R. from Williamsburg, VA and Ryan S. from Jordan Station, Ontario!

Show Notes:

Ronni’s book: https://www.ivpress.com/light-unapproachable

When considering the Reformation, men like Martin Luther and John Calvin come readily to mind, but few would put John Knox in the same category. And yet Jacob Tanner, author and pastor of Christ Keystone Church in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, argues that Knox's contributions are as valuable as anything that Luther or Calvin put forth. Jacob sits down with Jonathan and James today to explore the life and teachings of John Knox, which are highlighted in Jacob's new book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God. 

…John Knox, as the reformer of Scotland, as it were, is one of the most important, I would argue, theologians that the West has ever produced, and a lot of people don't think of him that way. – Jacob Tanner

Together, they discuss why Knox remains a pivotal figure in Protestant theology and how his principles of resistance and obedience to God resonate in today's world. Join us for an enlightening conversation about faith, public witness, and the power of prayer.

Thanks to the generosity of Founders Press, we are pleased to award a couple copies of Jacob Tanner’s book, Resist Tyrants, Obey God to our listeners. Congratulations to Kerri P. from Marion, TX and Kyle A. from Clarksville, IN!

Show Notes:

To view Jacob Tanner’s books: https://press.founders.org/?s=jacob+tanner

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. – 2 Corinthians 4:17

Jonathan and James explore the profound topic of suffering and its essential role in spiritual growth in this episode of Theology on the Go. Drawing from Jonathan's insightful article, "Suffering Matters," published in TableTalk Magazine, the discussion delves into how suffering can lead to greater faith and reliance on God. 

Suffering is absolutely essential to the Christian life, and it is one of the primary means – biblically speaking – that the Lord uses to cause us to grow. – Jonathan Master

With biblical references and personal anecdotes, the hosts unpack the counterintuitive idea that suffering can be a source of joy and strength in the Christian life. 

Once you recognize that God is charge of everything in your life, and that nothing happens apart from his control, apart from his divine wisdom mapping this all out, and you couple that with confidence in his divine goodness and his fatherly care, then you realize that actually, these things…are designed for my ultimate good. – Jonathan Master 

Listen as they address the complexities of suffering, how it produces change in us, and how our suffering ultimately points to the suffering of Christ.

Show Notes:

Jonathan’s article from TableTalk Magazine: https://tabletalkmagazine.com/daily-study/2024/05/suffering-matters/

Jonathan and James sit down with returning guest Chad Van Dixhoorn, a professor of church history and theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, to explore Puritan John Arrowsmith's significant work, Plans for Holy War, one of the most expansive treatments of spiritual warfare ever written. A new English version was recently published by Reformation Heritage Books that presents modern readers with an exceptional guide to spiritual warfare. Having written the introduction and served as its editor, Chad explains why Plans for Holy War is worthy of translation and reintroduction to the church. 

It's a unique book in the way in which it argues for us to be alert to the fact that all of life is spiritual warfare, and that in that spiritual warfare, which he considers on multiple levels, we are well-equipped… – Chad Van Dixhoorn

Tune in to this insightful conversation that dives into Arrowsmith's insights on theological errors, the importance of prayer, and how his narrative approach sets him apart from his contemporaries. 

Thanks to our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to award a couple of copies of Plans for Holy War to our listeners. Congratulations David M. from Independence, MO and Ron G. from Bluffton, IN!